Ariana Grande is officially dating Ricky Alvarez

Ariana Grande is officially dating dancer Ricky Alvarez and a friend close to the pop star insists they "couldn't be happier".BANG Showbiz

ARIANA Grande is officially dating Ricky Alvarez.

The 22-year-old singer has been rumoured to be romancing her back-up dancer ever since the infamous 'doughnut video' at Wolfee Donuts in California which saw the pair lick a selection of baked goods without buying them before sharing a kiss as they played a game of Truth or Dare.

Now Ariana's friends have put an end to the speculation and confirmed she and Ricky are an item.

A source told E! News: "They couldn't be happier. She and Ricky have gotten pretty close and they are officially a couple. They are keeping their relationship on the down low though and trying to be as private as they can. The way the two act around each other is very affectionate. You can tell Ricky really cares about her."

Ariana's new romance is her first relationship since she split from rapper Big Sean in April. The pair split due to work commitments keeping them apart.

The 'Problem' hitmaker's 'doughnut video' landed her in hot water as she was overheard saying in the footage "what the f**k is that? I hate Americans. I hate America", resulting in her patriotism being called into question.

She later issued an apology which stated: "I am extremely proud to be an American and I've always made it clear that I love my county. What I said in a private moment with my friend, who was buying the doughnuts, was taken out of context and I am sorry for not using more discretion with my choice of words."